Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) has recognised Clay Lacy Aviation as part of its Fly Friendly programme at Van Nuys airport for the eighth time since the programme was established in 2012, reflecting the business jet operator's voluntary measures to reduce aircraft noise to surrounding communities.

“Being a Friendly Flyer aligns with our overall, thoughtfully better approach to private aviation services and our continued efforts to work with communities to reduce noise and our environmental footprint,” says Dondi Pangalangan, senior vice president, strategic initiatives. “We are committed to being a good neighbour to our communities and to intentionally consider and implement sustainability strategies into all aspects of operations and facilities.”

The Fly Friendly programme recognises jet operators that go beyond mandatory noise regulations to further reduce noise disruptions at Van Nuys. Some of the criteria considered by LAWA include increasing southbound jet departures, avoiding overnight flights and achieving compliance at 99 per cent or greater on No Early Turn and the Quiet Jet Departure programmes.

“Clay Lacy reaching these voluntary heights demonstrates the company's continued efforts to be a great partner with the Van Nuys Airport community,” says David Reich, LAWA deputy executive director for mobility planning and strategy. “These programmes help our city to appeal to residents and businesses alike, and help make us stronger economically.”

The Friendly Flyer award is one measurement of Clay Lacy's commitment to Van Nuys and other communities served, including Orange County in California and Waterbury-Oxford in Connecticut.

Throughout Clay Lacy's facilities, it has:

- Sourced one-third of electricity from renewable sources.

- Transitioned 100 per cent of ground equipment to electric or renewable diesel.

- Prevented 65,000 pounds of carbon emissions through e-recycling programme.

- Avoided 6.7 metric tonnes of carbon emissions through EV charging network.

- Sold more than 200,000 gallons of sustainable aviation fuel.

Clay Lacy was the first company to receive a 4Air sustainability rating of Facilities Neutral. It has been recognised as among the nation's leading green power users by the Environmental Protection Agency and a certified LA Green Business partner.